THE atmosphere in Chingola was today sombre as nine Senseli mine accident victims were being put to rest.
Relatives came from all walks of life went to pay their last respects to their loved ones who lost their lives after heavy rains last week led to a disaster and trapped more than 30 people.
Also present were different stakeholders were Members of Parliament as well as various Government officials to give their last respects.
And President Hakainde Hichilema who was also in attendance to equally pay his last respect encouraged relatives to take heart and continue believing in God.
"Let us all simply accept Gods will because we do not know. The colleagues we have put to rest, this is the way God wanted . Let us continue to believe in him and worship him and thank him for the one soul which has been rescued. He will live to tell the story once he recovers fully," he said.
President Hichilema said the search and rescue will continue for those that are still missing.
"We will continue searching for those still underground . We will ensure that we are careful and coordinated as we continue the rescue. I just want to thank God again, for his has been leading the rain away from that pit as we continue the rescue mission," he said.
The Head of State commended the rescue team comprising of different stakeholders,including the Army, Jerabos and Konkola Copper Mines (KCM).
He commended families who have remained patient through out the difficult process.
President Hichilema also commended the clergy from all sections for coming together to give encouragement to the families as well as the nation at large.
He said once the rescue mission is complete, different stakeholders will sit down with Government to ensure the disaster of this sort does not happen again.
(Mwebantu)
(Picture by State House Media)
